Guests were also treated to music from St John Rigby College students; a special performance of Beauty and the Beast Jr by Archbishop Blanch School; a fashion show by Holly Lodge Girls’ College and a spoken word performance by five students from The Hollins Technology College.

Plantation Primary School in Halewood won the Outstanding Sport in Primary School award for increasing its extra-curricular sports clubs from 30 to 74 during 2016-2017.

This has led to even more children enjoying sport and achieving great success, such as being named National Premier League school champions on two successive occasions.

Judges’ commented that Plantation has “incredible extra-curricular programmes on offer. Things such as the 'This Girl Can', the 'EITC', 'Golden Time' and getting local athletes involved is only going to further inspire their pupils.”

Finch Woods Academy in Halewood won the SEND Provision Award. Opened in 2014, the Academy has transformed the education provision in Knowsley for pupils with social, emotional, mental health and behavioural difficulties.

Notable areas of success include whole school attendance increasing by 20%; 60% of pupils leaving with at least two GCSE Grade A*-C grades and 100% of pupils achieving Functional Skills English and Maths qualifications.

Feedback from the judges said: “Achievement Up. Attendance Up. Opportunities Up. A special school in every sense.”

Evelyn Community Primary School in Prescot won the Innovation in Education award for its brilliant initiative to promote outstanding teaching and learning across History and Geography.

The subjects have been transformed to “set the children’s imagination and curiosity ablaze” with field trips, creative role play and taking part in local community events.

Feedback from the judges said: “History and geography are brought to life in Evelyn CP’s enhanced provision areas, allowing pupils to take learning risks.”

Halewood Academy placed runner-up for the Most Inspirational Secondary School award after its remarkable journey saw it go from special measures to a good Ofsted judgement in just 24 months.

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “The Educate Awards is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the teaching profession and say thank you to the remarkable individuals who improve the life chances of our children.

“We are proud to host this event which champions the creativity, diversity and dedication of teachers, school support stars, schools and colleges in the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire and Lancashire. Congratulations to all the winners, runners-up and shortlisted schools.”

The winners were chosen by an esteemed judging panel which includes Michelle Dow, managing director of All About STEM; James Tartt, Merseyside track athlete and architect; Radio City breakfast host Leanne Campbell; Councillor Gary Millar, assistant mayor & mayoral lead for business & international trade; Chris Walker, regional managing editor of Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales; Lesley Martin-Wright, chief executive of Knowsley Chamber; Fiona Barnet, director of The Foundry Agency; Andrew Pimbley of Wirral’s Claremont Farm; Sue Cronin, head of teacher education at Liverpool Hope University and the education team at the respected Everyman and Playhouse Theatres.

Held in partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh as title sponsors, other category sponsors include Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU); The Foundry Agency; Wray Brothers; Paul Crowley & Co; The Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt. Revd. Paul Bayes; MILK Education; The Liverpool Learning Partnership (LLP); Shaping Futures; All About STEM; Hi-Impact Consultancy; LSSP; Air Products; School Improvement Liverpool; CER Education, DMR David M Robinson Jewellery & Watches, and Progress Schools.

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